This fall, DG continues to travel the nation to attend conferences where we can advocate and empower theatre writers. On September 30, we'll be presenting several sessions at EdTA's Theatre Education Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Please scroll down below to discover our upcoming panels. We hope to see you there!
The Courage to Produce: Finding Innovative Ways to Present Work on Your Campus
How can we create an environment where educators will feel empowered to navigate the challenges that arise when students perform complex theatrical material in educational settings?
Amidst challenges like state legislation and potential controversy, educators are often facing hurdles in presenting certain works in American high schools. In response, the Dramatists Guild will host two sessions on this topic, exploring strategies educators might utilize as they navigate these complexities. Join us for both, or for the session you feel is most relevant to you and your network of peers.
SESSION 1
Saturday, September 30
9:30am – 10:45am EDT
In this first session, DG Director of Business Affairs Jessica Lit will be joined in conversation by representatives from Equality Florida, Florida’s statewide civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community. This conversation will center around geopolitical concerns as they relate to new legislative hurdles, how educators might seek support from or engage with local and national advocacy organizations, available resources/lines of support, and how we might all work together in the wake of regionally mandated censorship.
Led by Jessica Lit, DG Director of Business Affairs
SESSION 2
Saturday, September 30
3:45pm – 5pm EDT
In this second session, DG Director of Business Affairs Jessica Lit will be joined in conversation by Stephen Kaplan (DG Education Committee Chair) and Jordan Stovall (DG Director of Outreach & Institutional Partnerships) to explore the importance of and considerations around producing bold new plays in high school settings. We’ll delve into concepts such as equal protection vs. free expression, academic freedom, the pros and cons of working on more advance topics with students, considerations around selecting material for your students, requesting script changes, and responding to controversy. Engage in a thought-provoking discussion that provides valuable insights for educators seeking to explore dynamic content in stage works. Let's foster an environment where educators feel empowered and supported as they navigate the conversation surrounding impactful material in educational settings.
Led by Jessica Lit, DG Director of Business Affairs
What I’m Teaching Now: Exploring New Plays in Your Classroom and Onstage
Saturday, September 30
11am – 12:15pm EDT
Embrace the importance of integrating new plays into your classroom to nurture the next generation of theatre artists and audiences while expanding the theatrical canon. Join us in this enlightening workshop as we delve into the why and how of incorporating modern texts. Gain valuable tools to effectively integrate and advocate for new works, empowering your teaching practice. Prepare to leave inspired, equipped with fresh insights and strategies to introduce innovative material into your classrooms. Together, let's embark on a journey of teaching something new and exciting!
Led by Stephen Kaplan, DG Education Committee Chair
Dream Session for Theatre Educators & Writers: Fostering Collaboration and Empowering Young Theatre Makers
Saturday, September 30
2:15pm – 3:30pm EDT
Join us for a captivating Town Hall session hosted by the Dramatists Guild, where we will create a space for theatre educators and writers to engage in meaningful dialogue. Recognize the vital roles of both educators and writers in shaping high school theatre experiences. Together, we'll explore the reciprocal relationship between educators and writers, discussing shared struggles, goals, and aspirations. Discover the power of collaboration as we delve into resource sharing and goal mapping, working hand in hand to uplift and empower young theatremakers. Let's embark on this inspiring journey as we collectively work towards our shared mission.
Led by Jordan Stovall, Director of Outreach and Institutional Partnerships
Co-facilitators: Stephen Kaplan, Jessica Lit,